I’ve already posted about the benefits of the squat toilet, how we should probably be sleeping on a firm mattress, how we should be squatting instead of sitting in chairs, the inadequacy of ordinary cup protectors (NuttyBuddy), and the benefits of going barefoot. Along with these issues, I’ve also run across several other ergonomic types of problems that modern living has caused:
Wallet sciatica (piriformis syndrome) is caused by sitting on a thick wallet, which presses on the sciatic nerve causing pain, tingling, and numbness in the buttocks and down the leg.
A tight necktie might contribute to glaucoma. In one study, subjects who wore tight neckties had significantly raised inner eye pressure. Researchers think this was happening because neckties constrict the jugular vein, and thereby increase blood pressure. This, in turn, leads to the increased inner ocular pressure. (Tight necktie linked to glaucoma)
Men’s briefs have been linked to infertility because of the warmth they create. (Boxers vs. Briefs: Increasing Sperm Count) Lapboards and heated car seats might have the same problem. (Laptop computers lower sperm counts and increase infertility risk for men, Heated seats may be frying your sperm) Of course, if you desire this result, it’s one method of contraception. (The Heat Method of Male Contraception)
There has been some speculation that bras contribute to the risk of breast cancer by increasing warmth. They also might do this by reducing movement, which in turn reduces circulation. Via Matt Metzgar: Brassiers, Breathing, and Breast Cancer, Bras and Breast Cancer, Dressed to Kill: The Link between Breast Cancer and Bras)
The modern keyboard was poorly designed for the human hand, and one result is carpal tunnel syndrome. The Wristease is designed to mitigate this risk. Fortunately, we also now have a large number of keyboard designs to choose from. (13 Computer Keyboards You’ve Never Seen Before, Unusual Keyboards, Alternative Keyboard Gallery, Keyboard Specialists, Ergocube, abKey, Kinesis, G-Tech’s Wireless Fabric Keyboard, Maltron, Eka Tetra, Gesture Keyboard, WolfKing Warrior Game Keypad, TypeMartix EZ-Reach 2030 Keyboard, Universal Keyboard, My keyboard)
Heavy book bags have been linked to muscle and orthopedic injuries in school children. To help with this issue, researchers have developed the bungee-powered backpack. The load slides up and down lessening the peak force exerted on the person as they walk. (Bungee-powered Backpack Can Lighten Your Load, Researcher Says)
Ikea has developed a tiny plastic nail holder to keep you from smashing your thumb when hammering. (Ikea Nail-Driving Utensil)
Catcher’s mitts don’t provide enough protection. One study found that over time players might sufferer career threatening trauma as a result. (Catcher’s mitts don’t provide enough protection, baseball)
Athletes can suffer a rare fatal result when they are struck over the heart at just the right point in the heart beat. This is called “commotio cordis,” and modern equipment doesn’t provide enough protection to prevent it. (Chest gear may not protect athletes from deadly blows, and How a blow to the chest can kill)
For more comfortable airplane trips we now have several types of travel pillows. (Travelrest inflatable travel pillow, and the Skyrest travel pillow)
Tags: Barefoot, Book Bags, Cancer, Carpal Tunnel, Commotio Cordis, Ergonomics, Fertility, Glaucoma, Keyboards, Sports Equipment, Squat Toilet, Squatting, Travel Pillows